Keeping your teeth healthy and clean can be stressful. But, make sure that you watch out for these signs you have a cavity so your Bayside NY dentist can help.

36% of adults from the ages of 20 to 64 have untreated tooth deca y and cavities. When you leave cavities untreated in your mouth, it can lead to infection, abscesses, and more. This also means that your tooth will require more expensive treatment or may even need to be removed.

By understanding the signs of a cavity, you can get the treatment you need! Do you want to learn more about cavities and how a Bayside, NY dentist near 11364 can treat them for you? Keep reading this article to see the signs that you have a cavity.

Hot and Cold Sensitivity

One of the most common symptoms that you have a cavity is that your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold. This is commonly noticed when you are eating or drinking. When you have a cavity, the enamel of your teeth wears down and exposes the tissue inside your teeth.

Because this tissue is exposed and contains a lot of nerves, the hot and cold food will create a jarring sensation. If you experience sensitivity to cold drinks or hot food, you may want to schedule a consultation with your dentist.

If you are waiting for your dental appointment and are experiencing this pain or sensitivity in your teeth, it may be best to avoid these foods until you are able to get your cavities filled.

Toothaches

Another common sign that you have a cavity is if you get toothaches. These are different from sensitivity to hot and cold, as the pain is not explained by another source. The main reason that toothaches occur when you have a cavity is that your tooth and the tissue inside can become inflamed.

Toothaches can range in discomfort and the pain may get worse as your cavity worsens. Some people may only feel an occasional ache while others may feel it constantly.

Discoloration

Tooth discoloration is a common sign of cavities, but you may not notice discoloration on teeth that are difficult to see. However, as your tooth continues to decay, you will begin noticing dark spots developing on your teeth.

These spots are typically black or brown, but they may sometimes be off-white. If these spots grow in size, it may mean that your cavity is worsening and that it requires treatment by your general dentist.

Pain Eating or Biting

If you notice that your teeth hurt when you eat or bite something, it is likely that you have a cavity.

This is especially common when you have cavities in your molars or other back teeth. Because this can affect your daily life when you eat or chew on anything, you will want to get this fixed as quickly as possible.

Pus or Bleeding & Swollen Gums

When your cavities worsen in your mouth, they can lead to problems in other parts of your mouth, like your gums. For example, some cavities in your teeth are near your gumline. If the bacteria continue to develop in these cavities, you may find that your gums are swollen or have other sensitivity issues.

If you notice pus in your gums or teeth, this is a serious sign of a cavity. This means that your cavity has developed into a tooth abscess and is infected. Because these are so serious, you need to meet with your dentist.

They will likely fill your cavity and prescribe you an antibiotic to help clear up the cause of your pus. Abscesses can spread in your mouth, so it is vital that you get yours taken care of as quickly as possible.

Visible Holes in Teeth

Another sign of a cavity that may be more difficult to see is if you have holes in your tooth. If your cavity starts as discoloration continues to develop, it can break down the surface of your teeth and turn into a hole. If you cannot see a hole in your teeth, you may be able to feel it with your tongue.

If there is a hole in your teeth, it is a sure sign that you have a cavity and need to get it treated by a professional. These holes can get worse, so take care of them as soon as possible!

Bad Breath

Finally, one surprising sign that you have a cavity is that you have bad breath or a weird taste in your mouth. This is largely due to the bacteria in your mouth that comes from your cavity.

Bad breath generally comes from waste that is produced from the bacteria in your mouth. If you have recently noticed a change in your breath or if you suddenly develop a bad taste in your mouth, you may want to get a dental cleaning and check for cavities!

Find a Bayside, NY Dentist to Treat Your Cavities Today

Recognizing the common signs that you have a cavity is vital so you can get treatment in a timely manner.

By going to a Bayside, NY dentist regularly, you can get your teeth checked for signs of cavities and find ways to prevent tooth decay. However, you want to find the best dentist in Bayside, NY to make sure you get the best treatment possible.

If you are looking for a dentist on Francis Lewis Blvd or a dentist in the 11364 area, Radiant Dental Studio can help! Whether you need help treating a cavity or finding ways to prevent tooth decay, our team can help you find options that work.

Contact our office today to learn more about our services or to set an appointment.

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